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Locals 49 & 204, Pueblo, Col.
Local 49 Secretary and Treasurer Raymond L. Cid recently forwarded a message from the members of these two locals and their families thanking the UTU's delegates, officers and membership for "the generosity and compassion you have shown" which has "helped us financially and emotionally in our two-plus years struggle with CF&I/Oregon Steel....For this, we are very grateful. We know with your continued support we will prevail."
Locals 262 & 1462, Boston, Mass.
The two locals shared a Christmas party at the VFW post in Dedham, Mass., last month, according to Local 1462 Chairperson Joe Motte and Local 262 Chairperson Tom Driscoll. Attending were Massachusetts State Legislative Director George T. Casey, Designated Legal Counsel Robert T. Naumes, and UTUIA Special Representative Dave Murphy.
Local 305, Lincoln, Neb.
Secretary and Treasurer Bryan D. Dance said there has been a good response to the fund set up to help Leon W. Krusemark and his wife and daughter, who recently lost their home and possessions to fire. To contribute, call (402) 486-1296.
Local 313, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Member George P. Micka recently achieved another milestone in his efforts to preserve the SS City Of Milwaukee, a carferry that provided a shortcut across Lake Michigan for shippers looking to avoid congestion around Chicago. A non-binding referendum will allow the docking of the National Historic Landmark in the city of Frankfort, Mich., but the referendum is to be reviewed by the Franfort council. The ship can be seen online at <http://www.carferry.com>.
Local 469, Madison, Ill.
More than $600 was raised for a fellow worker in need at last month's Christmas party, said Secretary and Treasurer John I. Payer. More than 300 attended the event, including members of UTU Locals 1405 and 1388 (St. Louis, Mo.), and 1929 (E. St. Louis, Ill.). Attending were State Sen. James Clayborne, State Rep. Tom Holbrook, State Rep. Jay Hoffman, Madison Mayor Emeritus John Bellcoff, UTU Illinois State Legislative Director Joe Szabo and Assistant State Legislative Director John Burner, as well as UTU Missouri State Legislative Director Larry Foster. Sponsors were The Midwest Railroaders and Designated Legal Council Lance Callis, who are backing the upcoming Annual Super Bowl Sunday Poker Tournament. For information, contact Payer at (618) 344-4519.
Local 587, Greenfield, Mass.
Springfield Terminal Railroad employees enjoyed a Christmas party last month where Local President Tom Bergeron served as chief cook and bottle washer, according to UTUIA Special Representative Dave Murphy. Attending were General Chairperson Michael G. Maloof, Massachusetts State Legislative Director George T. Casey and Designated Legal Counsel Robert T. Naumes.
Local 807, Tucson, Ariz.
Members are mourning the deaths of retired conductor Wallace E. Cummins and conductor Robert L. Schuyler, according to Treasurer Michael P. Bording. Brother Schuyler, 50, passed away in November following a brief but courageous battle with brain cancer. The 65-year-old Cummins reportedly died peacefully that same month at home in Tucson.
Local 1391, Lorain, Ohio
Set to close January 1, the local gathered for a Christmas party last month, according to Local Chairperson Timothy J. Smith. Members had been employed by the Lake Terminal Railroad until USS/Kobe Steel Co. terminated its service agreement with the railroad after 104 years, replacing it with a non-union operation. With assistance from UTU International President Charles L. Little and Assistant President Byron A. Boyd, Jr., nearly all have since been hired by Norfolk Southern or CSX, and most will become members of Local 586 (Willard, Ohio). Those attending included International Vice President Robert W. Earley, Assistant Ohio State Legislative Director Joseph A. Boda, Jr., and a number of members from Local 586, along with their Local Chairperson Brian E. Mull. Sponsoring the event were representatives of Designated Legal Counsel Chattman, Gaines & Stern.
Local 1405, St. Louis, Mo.
Ann Callis of Troy, Ill., 31-year-old daughter of member and Designated Legal Council Lance Callis, recently became the first female judge in the third judicial circuit in Southern Illinois, according to John I. Payer, secretary and treasurer of Local 469 (Madison, Ill.).
Local 1715, Charlotte, N.C.
Following elections, local officers now include President James Shannon, Vice President Glennie Holland, Secretary and Treasurer Doyle Reed and Legislative Representative Greg Ashley, Shannon reported. Members of the Board of Trustees include Nannie Sturdivant, James Hinton and Betty King.
Local 1741, San Francisco, Cal.
San Francisco (Laidlaw Transit) and San Mateo (A&E Transit) school bus drivers recently ratified their contracts, said General Chairperson Jim Harford, successfully achieving their objectives. The San Francisco general committee negotiated a 73-cents-an-hour pay increase to $19.83 an hour, plus a five-hour-per-week increase in guaranteed hours. Office staff achieved parity with drivers, negotiating immediate pay increases of up to 32%. Meanwhile, the San Mateo general committee negotiated a 26% pay increase over three years, as well as significant improvements in benefits and contract language. Harford, who assisted the newly formed A&E general committee, offered special thanks to A&E Chairperson Lloyd Beeker, and to J. David Lyall (L-23, Santa Cruz, Cal.) and International Vice President Bernie McNelis for their assistance to the A&E committee.
GO-769 (Amtrak)
Roger M. Lenfest, Jr., elected the committee's vice general chairperson, was slated to take office January 1, 2000, when his predecessor, C.A. Iannone, vacates the position to serve his first term as UTU International vice president. "I hope to help strengthen the ties between all conductors and assistant conductors on Amtrak," said Lenfest. "General Chairperson Al Suozzo has put me in charge of discipline cases, my strong point, and I intend to pursue them to the greatest degree of success I can." Also assigned to represent the UTU in Operation RedBlock matters, Lenfest began his career as a clerk in 1967 on the Boston & Maine (B&M), became a B&M brakeman in 1970, was elected chairperson of Local 898 (Boston, Mass.) in 1977, and served as full-time B&M general chairperson from 1983 through 1989, when he exercised his seniority with Amtrak. He again was elected Local 898's chairperson in January 1999.
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